Posts Tagged ‘took’

Tiger Woods has proved himself as the World’s No. 1 again In the November 13, when he opened with two birdies, saved his round with two pars and wound up with a 4-under 68. He completed his world domination by taking out the Australian Masters and said he planned to return next summer – but a clause will again prevent Sydney from seeing the world’s biggest sports star.

Despite Sydney hosting the premier event on the calendar – the Australian Open – there is a contract stipulating the world No.1 can only play one event Down Under.

After holding off Australia’s Greg Chalmers to win by two shots at Kingston Health, Woods sad he enjoyed his visit so much he would love to return to Melbourne in 2010.

It is thought that IMG, which runs the Masters tournament and also manages Woods, had clauses inserted in the contract for Woods to play in only one tournament in Australia. Any return to the Australian Masters at Victoria Golf Club next year would almost certainly be the same and rule out a Sydney tournament appearance.

Australian Open organisers have Greg Norman sewn up for the next three years but would no doubt be green with envy about the success of Woods playing at the Masters.

A record six-day attendance figure of 95,027 – with each day sold out – was a staggering sight at the Melbourne course.

Woods’ $3 million appearance fee was worth every cent and he completed the script by holding off the Australian challenge to claim the yellow jacket.

Asked if he had enjoyed his time in Australia, Woods said: “Are you kidding me? It’s been absolutely phenomenal.”

Victorian Premier John Brumby said 35,000 of the tickets were sold to interstate and overseas visitors, guaranteeing a huge boost to the state economy that he said would “very, very comfortably surpass” estimates of $19 million.

But Sydney’s chances of seeing Tiger and enjoying such a windfall are slim given Woods’ decision to return will no doubt be tied to his deep affection for the sandbelt courses of southeast Melbourne.

Golf Australia boss Stephen Pitt said he was focused on running a good Australian Open at NSW Golf Club at La Perouse from December 3-6 and could not speculate if the tournament would make a play for Woods next year.

“As you saw, he’s one of the all-time great players and any tournament would love him but it is really not a focus of ours at the moment,” Pitt said.

A Tiger fan shows his support whilst watching Tiger Woods of the USA on the 6th hole during the final round of the 2009 Australian Masters at Kingston Heath Golf Club on November 15, 2009 in Melbourne, Australia.

Common mistake young players make – if they hit the ball hard they think it will go far.